The view from Costa Rica

Joel Campbell will be key for Costa Rica

 

I spoke to Costa Rica fan, Jose Roberto Gene about their World Cup hopes.

The final 23 man squad has now been confirmed, are you happy with the decision or would you have done something different?

The main problem with Costa Rica’s squad is that we have no real forwards. Some may point out that for 2014 we lost our best goalscorer (Alvaro Saborio) to injury, played with no one up front and still made the top eight. Ureña isn’t intimidating, and Campbell plays better as a winger. Without a forward, we’ll rely on Ruiz’s pacing 100%, and if he’s not having a good day, it shows.

The other problem is going to be to picking the right players for the starting 11 out of the 23 due to lack of rhythm. For example, Christian Bolaños was a key player during qualifying, but he left Vancouver last summer, signed for Saprissa to get in top form, but got injured. The few minutes he’s gotten over the past 3 day have been his first in 3 months, and he’s now expected to be match ready? Same with Johan Venegas, Gamboa, Duarte, Borges and Tejeda. They’re not playing enough due to injuries or coaching changes.

Ramirez (the coach) trusts them blindly though, and he’s hoping WC experience is more important than form.

Has reaching the last eight in 2014 changed anything in Costa Rican football?

Not as much as you’d think, although it sets the bar a lot higher that it was before.

It gave us a major milestone in our football history:
Round of 16 in 1990 with an amateur team, that 5-2 game against Brazil in 2002, the exciting opening match for 2006 vs Germany, just missing out for 2010 on a playoff with Uruguay (which we got revenge for in Brazil), and then heart stopping back to back penalty shootouts against Greece and Holland.

It’s been an upward trend for 28 years since football became real around here.

What are your thoughts on your group opponents? Any players you are concerned about?

It’s one of the toughest groups. As tough as 2014 even if it doesn’t seem like it.

I expect very even defensive matches with Serbia and Switzerland. Teams that, like Costa Rica, have great players but no superstars.

Brazil is a different ball game altogether. 3rd time facing them in 5 apearances. Their left side with Marcelo and Neymar will force Gamboa to stay put and reduce our offensive projection even more.

How would you like to see the team line up for the opening game?

Ideally:

Keylor,

Gamboa, Duarte, Gonzalez, Oviedo

Ruiz, Borges, Guzman, Wallace

Campbell, Ureña
However, considering there’s no way our coach will get rid of the 5 defenders, I would have to swap Ureña with Waston.

How are expectations among the fans and media at home? What would be an acceptable tournament?

Expectations are very low due to the inconsistent performances, injuries, and lack of playtime from a lot of key players.

Round of 16, or even barely missing out on goal difference vs Switzerland would be acceptable as long as they play well.

If there’s one player from your country that needs to be at his best for expectations to be met or exceeded, who is it?

Campbell, hands down.

To be fair, we need Keylor, to hold the line. Ruiz, because the team’s strategy was built on his pacing. (If he’s not there, the team simply doesn’t function).

But to exceed expectations we need Campbell to ‘Go crazy’ as he himself puts it.

Is there anyone from your country who isn’t an already established name that you think might announce themselves in this tournament?

I’d love Matarrita and Ian Smith, our future left and right-backs, to have a chance to play and shine, but they seem relegated to the bench.

How far do you expect to get in the Finals?

Round of 16. Face Germany, leave with our heads up.

If it’s not your country that wins the tournament who would you like to see win?

I’d love to see France return to former glories.

Give us a prediction for the winners and top scorer in the tournament?

Winner: Brazil
Top scorer: Luis Suarez (group A is just too easy), Kane or Lukaku  (group G has Panama who will probably concede a lot).

 

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The view from Uruguay

Can Luis Suarez avoid controversy this summer? 

I spoke to Uruguayan Heroes about Uruguay’s chances in the World Cup.

The final 23 man squad has now been confirmed, are you happy with the decision or would you have done something different?

There were no huge surprises, although the exclusion of Federico Valverde generated some moaning in Uruguay. Valverde is seen as one of the biggest talents the country has to offer and has been superb ever since debuting for the national team. However, the truth is that his season was ruined by injuries and therefore he never reached continuity for his club Deportivo La Coruna. I can live with Tabárez’ decision to leave him out of the final squad. The 23 men that have been chosen to represent Uruguay in Russia deserve to be there, others maybe more than others and perhaps I would have made some changes but nothing major and important enough to be dissatisfied about.

What are your thoughts on your group opponents? Any players you are concerned about?

The one player that springs to mind is Mohamed Salah of Egypt of course. After his phenomenal debut season for Liverpool, the Egyptian people are hopeful of Salah making them proud this summer. However, Egypt, besides Salah, isn’t anything special and the same could be said about Uruguay’s other two group opponents Russia and Saudi Arabia with the latter two not even possessing a player of the top bracket like Salah. Uruguay should top the group and I expect them to do so as well.

How would you like to see the team line up for the opening game?

I really like a 4-3-1-2 as it is compact and suitable for both a possession-based and counter-attacking style of play. My first eleven for the opening game vs. Egypt would be:

GK – Fernando Muslera

RB – Guillermo Varela

CB – José María Giménez

CB – Diego Godín

LB – Diego Laxalt

RCM – Matías Vecino

CM – Lucas Torreira

LCM – Rodrigo Bentancur

CAM – Giorgian De Arrascaeta

ST – Luis Suárez

ST – Edinson Cavani

How are expectations among the fans and media at home? What would be an acceptable tournament?

When a country boasts the history Uruguay have, expectations are always high. It’s the case among Uruguayans this time as well, although the expectations are not merely based on history this time as we possess a squad filled with experienced players of the highest level mixed with youngsters with a lot of promise. That mix is quite similar to the one of the 2010 World Cup when La Celeste reached the semi-finals – a classification which would certainly mark an acceptable tournament in Russia but the dream is clear; the fifth star.

If there’s one player from your country that needs to be at his best for expectations to be met or exceeded, who is it?

Having the pedigree of one of the world’s finest players, Barcelona striker Luis Suárez will have to be at the peak of his powers to meet expectations. The 31-year-old is Uruguay’s all-time top scorer and one of the most feared goalscorers in Europe, despite not experiencing a very successful campaign this season. However, Suárez still is a truly world-class player and has all the qualities to shine in Russia this summer.

Is there anyone from your country who isn’t an already established name that you think might announce themselves in this tournament?

Cruzeiro attacking midfielder Giorgian De Arrascaeta is a player that will surprise people this World Cup if he is able to display his top form. The Defensor Sporting youth graduate is a lovely footballer with the ability to create danger all on his own. Most of that danger is being provided through his great dribbling skills and superb vision to pick a pass and get a teammate in a goalscoring position.

How far do you expect to get in the Finals?

Uruguay historically is a ‘tournament team’, knowing what it takes to progress the dirty way. The current squad does as well and they will have to call upon that mentality as a tough road lies ahead. The group stage might be relatively easy but right after it a clash with Portugal or Spain could await, followed up by a potential quarter-final show down with France. Uruguay like the underdog role, though, and won’t shrink. La Celeste have the qualities to beat Portugal and Spain in a potential last 16 clash and when they do, momentum will be hugely on our side which is vital in a one-month tournament and could see us go all the way.

If it’s not your country that wins the tournament who would you like to see win?

It would be nice to see Brazil take revenge for what happened it in 2014 and claim the World Cup. They have players in each line of a good age with elite level and form and are a real unit as well. Tite has done a good job in cleaning up the mess that was left behind, although it has to be said that if anything will stop Brazil from winning their sixth World Cup it will be his lack of courage in his midfield selection.

Give us a prediction for the winners and top scorer in the tournament?

Winners: Uruguay. Can’t predict anything else.

Topscorer: Luis Suárez.

That’s objectivity for you… 😉

Uruguay won the World Cup in both 1930 and 1950. Are those players remembered as heroes or because it was so long ago have their legacies faded a bit?

Uruguay are probably the world champions in remembering and honouring the heroes from the past as these guys have put the country on the map. Especially 1950 World Cup-winning captain Obdulio Varela is a truly legendary figure in Uruguayan football history for his role in the greatest World Cup upset of all-time vs. Brazil in the Maracana.

 

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The view from Portugal

This could be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last chance to win a World Cup

I spoke to Marino Peixoto about Portugal’s chances this summer.

The final 23 man squad has now been confirmed, are you happy with the decision or
would you have done something different?

I think the Portuguese faithful and myself are all satisfied and excited about the squad that Fernando Santos picked. There were a few notable exclusions, however – namely Wolves’ Rúben Neves and Monaco’s Rony Lopes. Both of these youngsters enjoyed mouth-watering campaigns in their respective leagues. Yet, being able to exclude players boasting such quality is representative of the quality Portugal currently possess in their ranks.

How do you think winning Euro 2016 will influence this team? Will it put extra pressure on or will knowing they can win tournaments fill them with confidence?

Portugal are still disregarded as a world-class side by many, despite being European
Champions. With that being said, I think the atmosphere in the Portuguese camp will be a confident one. They know they possess great quality in all areas. Yet, they are also aware that there are nations who possess slightly more quality than they do. They are an incredibly tight-knit group, though – a feat which in itself can propel teams beyond any expectations surrounding them.

What are your thoughts on your group opponents? Any players you are concerned
about?
Playing Spain in the opening game is far from ideal for Portugal. As previously iterated, though – this is a confident group of players who possess vast amounts of belief in the team which leads me to believe they will be relishing a Group B opener versus their Iberian neighbours.

Morocco are an unknown quantity to most. Yet, having watched them a lot recently, they should by no means be written off by anybody. Ziyech, a Moroccan winger, possesses technical abilities to die for and is definitely one to look out for.

As for Iran, they are an incredibly strong defensive unit – something which Portugal will be familiar with as their current manager (Carlos Queiroz) was once the manager of Portugal. They don’t possess as much flare and/or attacking prowess as Morocco, but there are a few players to look out for. Namely, Alireza Jahanbakhsh – who has lit up the Eredivisie this season with AZ Alkmaar.

How would you like to see the team line up for the opening game?

I think Portugal are most dangerous when they field a fluid front four that doesn’t necessarily permit any player to stick to one particular role. With that being said, this is the eleven I would love to see:

Rui Patrício

Cédric Soares ,Pepe, José Fonte ,Raphaël Guerreiro

William Carvalho, João Moutinho

Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes

Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonçalo Guedes.

How are expectations among the fans and media at home? What would be an acceptable tournament?

Despte coming into the tournament as European Champions, there isn’t a heightened expectation of Portugal being crowned as World Champions this summer. The fans and media are well aware this is one of the most talented squads Portugal have ever taken to a major tournament. Yet, they are also aware that other nations perhaps possess more quality. With that being said, I think most Portugal fans expect the Seleção to get to the
quarter-finals at the very least. Any further, then it would be a very successful summer. Any shorter and, well – I think a few feathers will most certainly be ruffled amongst the Portuguese faithful.

If there’s one player from your country that needs to be at his best for expectations to be met or exceeded, who is it?

Unsurprisingly, it’s Ronaldo. Despite possessing an endless pool of talent right now, when
people talk about Portugal in a footballing sense – Ronaldo is still the only player that gets a mention. Should he or Portugal not perform then unfortunately, all of the blame is likely to be pinned on him.

Is there anyone from your country who isn’t an already established name that you think might announce themselves in this tournament?

Bruno Fernandes and Gonçalo Guedes. Guedes, having had an exemplary campaign on load at Valencia, is perhaps more known than his compatriot Fernandes – but I think this could potentially be an exciting summer for the Valencia loanee. Bruno Fernandes has had a stellar campaign, too – and has even been linked with a host of Europe’s elite clubs in the past few months. However, neither of them are guaranteed a start, but if their performances in Portugal’s most recent friendlies are anything to go by, Portugal’s Group B opponents should be frightened at the prospect of playing against them.

How far do you expect to get in the Finals?

I think the quarter-finals would be satisfactory for Portugal. Getting out of the group will be arduous, though – given the quality of the nation’s making up Group B. Yet, Portugal’s
tournament-savvy style, their veterans and the influx of phenomenally talented youngsters may well prove to be a recipe for success. That said, I personally think Portugal have what it takes to get to the semi-finals.

If it’s not your country that wins the tournament who would you like to see win?

I was born and raised in England to an English mother and a Portuguese father so I’d have to say England, of course.

Give us a prediction for the winners and top scorer in the tournament?

I think Spain will be victorious this summer. They have an embarrassment of riches in every position, their form since their manager took over has been exemplary and they have vast amounts of experience. As for top scorer, I think Neymar will produce this summer and will put to bed any doubts surrounding him.

 

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The view from Nigeria

The Super Eagles will be hoping Victor Moses can part a few defences this summer

I spoke to Nigeria fan, Abeeb Agbalaya, about their World Cup hopes.

The final 23 man squad has now been confirmed, are you happy with the decision or would you have done something different?

I’m okay with the 23 man squad.

What would a Nigerian team need to do at a World Cup to put themselves above the 1996 Olympic gold medal winning team?

The team have to work as a unit and play with little or no fear because that was the hallmark of the 1996 Olympic team.

What are your thoughts on your group opponents? Any players you are concerned about?

The truth is that a group that comprises of Argentina and Croatia is a tough group but if we play as a team and without fear we can come out fine. I’m more concerned about Luka Modric and Lionel Messi.

How would you like to see the team line up for the opening game?

I’d like Uzoho in goal, a 3 man defence and a 5 man midfield of Indidi, Mikel, Moses, Musa, and Iwobi as the orchestra with Igalo and Ihenacho at the front.

How are expectations among the fans and media at home? What would be an acceptable tournament?

The expectation is high considering the amount of hype on the team and its jersey. A quarter final place would be acceptable.

If there’s one player from your country that needs to be at his best for expectations to be met or exceeded, who is it?

Victor Moses.

If it’s not your country that wins the tournament who would you like to see win?

Argentina.

Give us a prediction for the winners and top scorer in the tournament?

Germany for the cup, the team look compact without a superstar among their ranks like Argentina, Portugal or France.

Messi will win the Golden Shoe.

 

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The view from Croatia

Can Luka Modric add to the Champions League titles he has won with Real Madrid? 

I spoke to Croatia fan, Dino Vucic about their hopes this summer. You can follow him on Instagram too, @dino.vucic.

The final 23 man squad has now been confirmed, are you happy with the decision or would you have done something different?

Really happy with the list. There were no big surprises there, except maybe leaving out Napoli’s Marko Rog, who hasn’t been playing consistently this season, but I believe could bring much more to the team than Rijeka’s Bradarić. I wasn’t expecting that to happen.

I penned an article recently saying that Croatia are overachieving underachievers. Overachievers as they are such a small country but underachievers because they have so many talented players. Would you say they are overachievers or underachievers? 

That’s probably the best description of our team I’ve heard so far. Croatia is a big sports-loving nation. Most of the kids here pick up a sport very early and lots of parents and coaches take it pretty seriously. And as a result, this small 4-million people country has produced some top-class players. We are very proud of that, and get very excited when we see our players lift up trophies all over Europe. Which of course, gives us hope that when they all come together, we can produce some impressive results as a national team. That hasn’t been the case, however. We haven’t qualified for the knockout stage of the World Cup ever since our very first appearance in ‘98, and having the quality we do in our national team, I have to say that is very disappointing. For that reason, I would call us underachievers. We can definitely do more.

What are your thoughts on your group opponents? Any players you are concerned about?

My biggest concern is Nigeria. African teams have always been such an enigma, for me at least. They’re physically strong and can run for 90 minutes without a break, so it’s very hard to predict which direction the games against them are going to take. Plus, our opening game is against Nigeria and we all know how crucial that first game is. If you win – the team mentality going forward will be great, if you lose – the players are already packing their bags in their minds. The pressure on the players will be huge. We need to keep our heads cool and not make any dumb mistakes.

Playing Argentina will be the easiest for our team I believe. We have nothing to lose in that game. Argentina is always one of the favourites for winning the tournament, they have top class players and the pressure will be on them. We often perform better against the “big guys.”

We know everything there is to know about the Iceland team. We played them twice in the qualifiers for this World Cup and we both got a win at home. They should definitely be respected, but we should focus on sorting out our destiny in this tournament before the start of that match.

I’m not concerned about any specific players, to be honest. If anything I’m concerned about our players making amateur defensive errors and not being focused throughout the whole match. We lost some big games for these very reasons.

How would you like to see the team line up for the opening game?

Subašić (GK)

Strinić (LB) – Lovren (CB) – Ćorluka (CB) – Vrsaljko (RB)

Badelj (CDM) – Rakitić (CDM)

Modrić (AM)

Perišić (LW) – Rebić (RW)

Kramarić (CF)

How are expectations among the fans and media at home? What would be an acceptable tournament?

Football is the most popular sport in Croatia, so everyone is really excited about it. This is a very talented team that has a lot to offer, but qualifying for the knockout stage (last 16) is our main priority, anything more than that is a bonus. I think everyone just wants to see the guys fight and give it their all.

If there’s one player from your country that needs to be at his best for expectations to be met or exceeded, who is it? 

Luka Modrić, all day. If he’s at the top of his game, everyone is. If he’s not, we have a problem.

Is there anyone from your country who isn’t an already established name that you think might announce themselves in this tournament? 

I would say either Andrej Kramarić or Ante Rebić.

They both had a great season in Bundesliga. Kramarić was Hoffeinheim’s best player for most of the season and has played an important role in them qualifying for the Champions League.

Rebić has been in a really good form lately as well and has scored a brace in Eintracht’s 3-1 win against Bayern in the German Cup final.

Both of them seem to be high on confidence and I’m looking forward to seeing how well they perform.

How far do you expect to get in the Finals?

As I have mentioned before, it’s been 20 years since the last time we qualified for the knockout stage of the tournament, so pulling that off will be our top priority. As a fan you always want your team to go as far as possible, if we get to the quarter finals I will be over the moon. I just don’t want to see them slacking and dragging their feet on the pitch, I want to see a good fight and know they’ve tried their best, no matter the result.

If it’s not your country that wins the tournament who would you like to see win?

France. They have an incredible young squad full of amazing players.

Give us a prediction for the winners and top scorer in the tournament?

Germany or France to win it. Griezmann for the Golden Boot.

 

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The view from Brazil

How fit will Neymar be this summer?

I spoke to Lucas Sposito about Brazil’s World Cup hopes. Lucas is a South American correspondent for Sport Witness.

The final 23 man squad has now been confirmed, are you happy with the decision or would you have done something different?

It’s impossible to completely agree with a list of 23 names. I won’t say I like it, but I trust the way Tite builds the squad. If I could make some changes, I’d swap Cássio for Vanderlei, Filipe Luís for Alex Sandro and Renato Augusto for Luan.

Will the Germany 7-1 defeat be hanging over this team? Do you think that will be damaging or will the team use it as inspiration to fire them onto better things this summer?

I don’t think so. The team is completely different, and players like Thiago Silva and Neymar didn’t even play that game. Although this defeat will never be forgotten, it shouldn’t make any difference on the pitch.

What are your thoughts on your group opponents? Any players you are concerned about?

It’s an average group. I think there’s no doubt that Brazil is the strongest team. Facing Serbia in the last round also helps, because it’s good to face the toughest opponents after getting a bit of experience in the tournament. Players like Matic and Milinkovic-Savic had a great season, but I wouldn’t consider them a big threat.

How would you like to see the team line up for the opening game?

I’d go with Alisson, Danilo, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Marcelo, Casemiro, Paulinho, Coutinho, Willian, Neymar and Roberto Firmino. Very different from what Tite has been doing!

How are expectations among the fans and media at home? What would be an acceptable tournament?

Brazilians in general, not exactly football fanatics, are not very excited about the World Cup. There is a mixture of disappointment from 2014 and the chaotic political time that the country has been going through in recent years. I would say it’s one of the Cups with the least support from the population. As for the sports media, it has been doing fine work as usual. An acceptable tournament? Getting to the final, at least.

If there’s one player from your country that needs to be at his best for expectations to be met or exceeded, who is it?

Neymar, without a doubt. Even though Brazil has a very good team, Neymar’s level is way above the others. The team depends on his talent. 

Is there anyone from your country who isn’t an already established name that you think might announce themselves in this tournament?

Every starter for Brazil plays in big clubs in Europe, so it’s hard to think of an underdog. Maybe Alisson will get a transfer to a bigger club after the tournament.

How far do you expect to get in the Finals?

At least the semi-finals. But I believe Brazil, to its full potential, is a serious title contender.

If it’s not your country that wins the tournament who would you like to see win?

Certainly not Argentina, Uruguay, Germany or France! Other than that, anyone country would be fine.

Give us a prediction for the winners and top scorer in the tournament?

Brazil and Lionel Messi.

 

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The view from Belgium

Will Vincent Kompany be fit this summer? 

I spoke to Belgium fan, Matthias Vannieuwenhuyze, about the teams chances in Russia this summer.

The final 23 man squad has now been confirmed, are you happy with the decision or would you have done something different?

Most people are not too happy with the decisions made by Martinez, including me. Some
players were somehow left out and some always have their spot even though they never
perform. Players like Dendoncker, Chadli and Ciman absolutely do not deserve their place in the squad. Especially Dendoncker, since he had the worst season possible for Anderlecht. Chadli almost didn’t play for West Brom this season… Other players like Dennis Praet (key player for Sampdoria) and Brandon Mechele (CB who had an amazing season with Club Brugge) were never even mentioned. Overall, Martinez’s biggest problem is that he dropped Radja Nainggolan from the squad. He told the press that he dropped him for tactical reasons but everyone knows he personally doesn’t like Radja. Martinez can’t cope with Nainggolan’s lifestyle. (He often drinks and eats burgers etc.) In the friendly against Portugal the fans were shouting Nainggolan’s name for 90 minutes. These are the kind of choices that haunt a coach for the rest of his career. So my guess would be that Martinez will be looking for another job after the World Cup.

What are your thoughts on Roberto Martinez? Is he the man that should be in charge of Belgiums golden generation?

He’s certainly not better than our previous coach Marc Wilmots. And they both kinda suck. Belgians were lowkey hoping for Preud’homme to take over the wheel after he left Club Bruges, but the federation would not hear from it. Preud’homme signed for Standard de Liege only days after Martinez got his contract renewed. Unfortunately, players like Vertonghen, Alderweireld and Kompany will probably leave the squad in a couple of years so I’d say Matinez is a waste of talent and a waste of time. We all realise it’s now or never. It’ll take many years until we get a generation that has comparable skills. That’s why the pressure is high and everyone is so critical.

What are your thoughts on your group opponents? Any players you are concerned about?

We’ve recently played Egypt and that turned out to be a walk in the park (it was without Mo Salah though). I expect Panama and Tunisia to be similar matches. They always play very defensive and we do have the players to move the bus. We’ll probably win and ignore the fact that there are still a lot of problems. England is our first worthy opponent, but then again we all know that England tends to disappoint against big teams. Belgium has had the same disease, so nine chances out of ten are that the match will be horrible. Don’t forget that we lost 2 years ago against Wales, so maybe that was some kind of omen.

How would you like to see the team line up for the opening game?

I would opt for: Courtois, Vertonghen, Kompany, Alderweireld, Meunier, Carrasco, De
Bruyne, Dembélé, Hazard, Mertens & Lukaku.

And I’d eventually throw Fellaini on the pitch to create something if we really have to. I’ll have to admit that he has been more important for our national team than for Man U. He
somehow always turns up in the box and has been decisive more than once. Problem is that Kompany is probably injured and Martinez will play Witsel, no matter what. Witsel is too defensive and only plays the ball to our centre backs… He has been playing in China for a quite a while now, so he shouldn’t even get a spot but okay.

How are expectations among the fans and media at home? What would be an acceptable tournament?

I suppose there are two camps. One camp honestly believes we can win the World Cup and the fans stay positive, no matter what happens. Additionally, shows and documentaries have publicly talked about our chances at becoming a World Champion. Even analysts have proclaimed that we should be the ones that lift the cup in the end. However, this is something they do in order to create unity and by doing that the questions on Martinez and the board slowly fade away.

Then there’s the more critical camp, (which I am a part of). I expect them to survive the group stage. They’ll probably play 2 good matches and 1 very bad one. Maybe win one more by being very lucky. And then get smashed by a good or a semi-good team in the quarter finals. This is not the way I want it to go, but I’m being real here. I’ve seen too many disappointing matches to get my hopes up.

If there’s one player from your country that needs to be at his best for expectations to be met or exceeded, who is it?
If we really want to become WC, then we need a healthy Kompany and a marvellous Hazard. Hazard has been really wonderful the last few matches, but we also really need a leader in our defence. Kompany has proven to be very useful in difficult matches, but he just can’t seem to stay fit. He coaches, he intercepts and he has offensive qualities. For all those wondering why I’m not mentioning De Bruyne: it’s very difficult to give both Hazard and De Bruyne their favourite role, the role they have in the Premier League. De Bruyne somehow never performs on the level we expect from him. Hazard is more decisive.

Is there anyone from your country who isn’t an already established name that you think might announce themselves in this tournament?

In 2009, Meunier was still playing as a striker for Virton. Virton is a team in the Belgian 3rd division. When he came to Bruges in 2011, the fanbase was really surprised. Why would someone scout a player in the 3rd division? But soon he became one of the most important players in the team. As RB, he could not only outpace the strikers, he could also deliver. He regularly scored and kept improving his skills. It was no big surprise that PSG offered him a contract for 4 years. He hasn’t played as much as he hoped for, but I believe if he return to his best form, he’ll be unstoppable.

How far do you expect to get in the Finals?

Probably quarter finals. We’re not ready to take on football giants like Germany, Brazil or
Spain. It never ends well. Players like Witsel and Ciman are too slow for those matches. If
we’re playing two players from the Chinese league and one from Canada, things won’t end well.

If it’s not your country that wins the tournament who would you like to see win?

Back in the days, when the Belgian squad could not even get into big tournaments, I rooted for Germany. Lahm was a true treasure. Nobody could keep up his pace and he showed up everywhere on the pitch. His interceptions were always good and pure, he would almost never get a card. And Klose just scored everything. He was a machine. In the box, out of the box. It was a certainty that Klose would always cause danger. So even these days, I can’t really shake off my love for Germany. Nonetheless, I believe that Brazil or France will set foot in the finals this year. Germany has not been performing like it used to… That’s also the reason why Sane is left out, he could not perform with the national team. He kept messing up dribbles and all that.

Give us a prediction for the winners and top scorer in the tournament?

Harry Kane will undoubtedly score a lot of goals. He’s in the form of his life. I’m happy we have Vertonghen and Alderweireld to keep him company during Belgium-England. But after the group stages he’ll probably get surpassed by Griezmann or Neymar.

 

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The view from Serbia

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic will be one to keep an eye on for Serbia

I spoke to Serbia fan, Luka Krstovic about Serbia’s World Cup chances.

The final 23 man squad has now been confirmed, are you happy with the decision or would you have done something different?

No, it’s absolutely stupid to take Grujic, Radonjic and Zivkovic. They didn’t play any qualification match and they are not ready. Our trainer, Mladen Krstajic thinks that he is some kind of master mind. He only took Radonjic so that Red Star Belgrade can sell him for £20M and then Krstajic can take money from the transfer. It was a shock that Krstajic left out Mijat Gacinovic who played all of the qualification games. He was one of our best players. I am so gutted and everyone else in Serbia is upset.

Much has been made of Denmark winning Euro 92 after Yugoslavia were removed from the competition. Is there a feeling that if Yugoslavia had been allowed to enter that tournament they might have won it. Could the team that done so well in the youth tournaments have won a World Cup?

Yes, if Yugoslavia were allowed to play the Euros in 1992 they would have won it. In recent times Serbia won the World Cup in Austrialia at U20’s in 2015 beating Brazil 2-1 in the final.

What are your thoughts on your group opponents? Any players you are concerned about?

We have a tough group. Costa Rica will be our first opponents and they done so well at the last World Cup in 2014.

Also Switzerland because their trainer, Vladimir Petkovic knows Serbia very well so it will be hard to get out of the group stage.

Then we get onto the final team, Brazil. We have no chance against them unless our trainer puts out very good tactics against them but he won’t. He will play 433 and we will get smashed in that formation.

I am concerned about our defence. Our left-back, Aleksandar Kolarov, the new captain, is 32 years-old and he is is slow. The same can be said of our right-back, Antonio Rukavina. We could have solved it our FA are very bad at scouting players which is why we missed out on Marko Arnautovic and more importantly Lazio right-back, Adam Marusic. He was born in Serbia and comes from the youth of  FK Vozdovac but didn’t get a call up so he decided to play for Montenegro.

How would you like to see the team line up for the opening game?

I would like to see play us in a 5-3-2 formation with 3 centre-backs in Veljkovic, Ivanovic, and Spajic. The wing-backs, on the left side will be Kolarov and on the right side, Nikola Milenkovic. In midfield we should be Milivojevic next to Matic and behind the 2 strikers, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic for creativity. Regarding the strikers I would put Mitrovic and Tadic up top. I think we have to use it against Costa Rica.

How are expectations among the fans and media at home? What would be an acceptable tournament?

Fans in Serbia think that we will bottle it as after the World Cup in 2010 we were not able to qualify for the Euros in 2012, World Cup 2014 and Euro 2016. Our fans will watch the World Cup but they don’t expect anything. It would be an acceptable tournament if we go through the group stage as then we have made progress in these awful 8 years.

If there’s one player from your country that needs to be at his best for expectations to be met or exceeded, who is it?

It is most likely Sergej Milinkovic-Savic after a good season with Lazio which has saw him being linked with the best teams in the world. The fans think he needs to do what he does for Lazio for Serbia as we have missed a player like him since 2013 when Dejan Stankovic retired from the national team. Here in Serbia we think he is like a mix between Dejan Stankovic and Dragan Stojkovic so our expectations are very high.

How far do you expect to get in the Finals?

I don’t know with this manager but if we had Veljko Paunovic we would have had the potential to reach the finales.

If it’s not your country that wins the tournament who would you like to see win?

I would like to see Belgium win. They have a great team and I think they deserve it most out of all of the teams.

Give us a prediction for the winners and top scorer in the tournament?

I think Belgium will reach the final with Spain and they will beat them 3-2. Top scorer has to be between Mertens, Messi and Ronaldo.

 

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The view from Poland

Robert Lewandowski will be hoping to score the goals that lead Poland to success

I spoke to https://twitter.com/KubaLech about Poland and their hopes in the World Cup.

The final 23 man squad has now been confirmed, are you happy with the decision or would you have done something different?

I’m quite happy with the final 23. Some fans don’t like that a few players were picked for what they bring to the team in terms of atmosphere, but personally I find that just as important a quality at a major tournament. The 23 man squad has good depth, but also good character.

How important is a player like Robert Lewandowski for Poland? Gareth Bale led Wales to a European Championship semi-final so can Lewandowski do a similar job for Poland?

He is without a doubt the most important part of this team. Lewandowski generally gets marked by at least two defenders, so even if he has a tournament output similar to Euro 2016 (just one goal) he is fighting and creating space for his teammates.

What are your thoughts on your group opponents? Any players you are concerned about?

This group should be considered the “Group of Death”. Every single team is capable of beating everyone else and there are top players in each side. Sadio Mane from Senegal, and James Rodriguez from Colombia are the obvious stand outs. Meanwhile Japan have a number of experienced and technically gifted players, led by Shinji Kagawa. Japan have a tremendous collective spirit, and always play well as a well-functioning unit. There are no weak sides in this group.

How would you like to see the team line up for the opening game?

I would like to see them use a 3-5-2 formation they’ve practiced in training. My line up from the back would be:

Fabianski

Cionek,Pazdan,Bednarek

Rybus,Piszczek (wingbacks)

Krychowiak, Linetty, Zielinski

Milik, Lewandowski.

How are expectations among the fans and media at home? What would be an acceptable tournament?

Expectations are tampered. People are hopeful after a successful Euro 2016 campaign, but it’s recognised the opponents at the World Cup are much more difficult and it’s a big step up. Getting out of the group would satisfy most fans.

If there’s one player from your country that needs to be at his best for expectations to be met or exceeded, who is it?

Piotr Zielinski. He’s had a great season with Napoli fighting for the Serie A title, but he hasn’t had any stand out performances in big national team games. We need him to perform at his top form that he is capable of to add creativity and another threat to our attack.

Is there anyone from your country who isn’t an already established name that you think might announce themselves in this tournament?

There are a few really talented young players, but I’d have to go with Dawid Kownacki. He’s had a successful season with Sampdoria in Serie A, and though he didn’t often get starts, he would come in and score goals for them. He’s fearless for a youngster, and has been sticking close to Robert Lewandowski during camp. I could see him coming on as an impact sub and grabbing a few goals.

How far do you expect to get in the Finals?

I think this team is good enough to get to the Round of 16. At that point, it’s a toss-up.

If it’s not your country that wins the tournament who would you like to see win?

Argentina. It’s a trophy Messi deserves to get for how great of a player he is.

Give us a prediction for the winners and top scorer in the tournament?

I’m hoping this is the tourney of Messi, so I’ll go with Messi top scorer & Argentina as the winners!

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The view from Germany

Will Manuel Neuer be key for Germany?

I spoke to Nicolai Gainzger about Germany and their hopes this summer.

The final 23 man squad has now been confirmed, are you happy with the decision or would you have done something different?

I’m happy with Germany’s squad. We have had a problem since 2014, though. We have no real physically strong striker. Only Mario Gomez could fit that position, but in my opinion he’s not reliable at all. He’s the typical striker that just gives the ball that last push over the line. I really hope in the next few years there will be a German talent come through for the striker position. Löw is getting critics from all sides for not taking Leroy Sanè (Manchester City) to Russia. I think Sanè is not ready for the national team yet, despite his amazing season. Also he doesn’t fit in the German system.  Germany’s offence is built on high organisation and team play. Leroy has a very risky and solo-action heavy playing style. This doesn’t fit Löw’s style. The squad is good, though. One of the best, if not the best. Centre backs with Boateng and Hummels, a world class midfield with Kroos and Khedira, fast wingers with Reus(who can finally play a big tournament after having bad luck with injuries) and Draxler, strong offensive options with Özil, Müller, Werner and Gomez. The only Player I’m missing is Nils Petersen. I think he would also fit in the squad and Löw’s System.

Germany have never successfully defended the World Cup. Why do you think that is?

If you look at the past World Champions only two times the prior champion managed to defend the title. Italy in 1934 and 1938 as well as Brazil in 1958 and 1962. I think Germany and generally other teams can barely defend their title, because many World Champions retire from the national team, pressure from the media and people and generally too high expectations from everyone. After 4 years a lot can change in a team too. Maybe a new coach, lots of new players, tactics can change and so on. Of course I hope my country defends the title this year, but that is a lot to ask for. As I said, a lot of World Champions retired. This also was the case in 1958, 1978 and in 1994. The squad is almost never the same. And if it is, the players will be older, sometimes too old, without any fresh and young players. I think the final squad we have right now is the best squad which gives us the best chances to defend the title.

What are your thoughts on your group opponents? Any players you are concerned about?

Mexico: Mexico always has high aggression and extreme pressing in their playing style, which could pose some problems in the German defence. Yet Mexico lost 4-1 in the Confed Cup against Germany. I doubt it will look any different this year. I think Mexico is a solid team, though. They surely will make it out of groups!

South Korea: I think Korea is the weakest team in this group. To be honest, the only players I’d consider even a threat in their team is Hee-Chang Hwang (FC Red Bull Salzburg), who is the only real talent in the squad and Son Heung-Min (Tottenham Hotspurs) who’s their absolute star player. If Germany manage to take out those players, there will not be any problems. Korea would be lucky to get out of the group stage.

Sweden: In my opinion Sweden is a wreck after “Generation Ibrahimovic”. They have a few talented players to look out for though, they might surprise us. I’m talking of players like Emil Forsberg (RB Leipzig), who has a really fast-paced and dribble-heavy playing style and also Marcus Berg (Al-Ain FC), who is an experienced striker, which is always a threat. Alexander Fransson is also a name which should be kept in mind, he’s only 24 years old and probably the biggest talent on the Swedish team. All in all I have my doubts that the Swedish team will make it very far into the tournament and I’m sure Germany will beat them.

How would you like to see the team line up for the opening game?

I’d love to see this line up:

Neuer

Hector – Boateng – Hummels – Kimmich

Kroos – Khedira

Müller – Goretzka – Reus

Werner

How are expectations among the fans and media at home? What would be an acceptable tournament?

Everything goes towards defending the title in the media. They expect the 5th star. My friends and me on the other hand have our doubts that it’s possible, especially with the strong teams from Spain and Brazil. Lots of World Champions that played crucial roles in 2014 have retired from the national team (e.g. Per Mertesacker, Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Miroslav Klose) and they left huge holes in our team. You saw that in the European Championships in 2016, where lots of fresh players got selected for the tournament. But now the team could be ready to defend the title, an acceptable tournament would be at least Semi-finals. Defending the title is of course, the perfect outcome.

Löw said, everyone should calm their expectations. There’s 6 or 7 teams which can win, it all depends on the form of the players on the day. And in this World Cup all teams improved their squads. Germany has to bring inhuman performances this year. “The World Cup is the most difficult thing there is. We have a good base, not more.”, says Löw. And I agree. I’m really afraid of Brazil, Spain and France this year. France kicked us out in the Euros 2 years ago. Brazil’s squad is stacked with more depth than 4 years ago. Spain will be very hungry after not getting out of the groups the last time. Their squad also looks scary.

If there’s one player from your country that needs to be at his best for expectations to be met or exceeded, who is it?

Definetely Manuel Neuer. His nomination was rather a surprise for me, since he was injured and hasn’t played for about 8 months. In the game against Austria he seemed fine but in my opinion he’s not in top condition. Löw said if Neuer is picked he will be the number 1 for the tournament. So the expectations on Manuel are really high, Löw trusts him and I believe the coach knows what he is doing. Many people here are divided and think Ter Stegen deserves to be the number 1 for Germany this World Cup, especially after his great season for Barca.

Is there anyone from your country who isn’t an already established name that you think might announce themselves in this tournament?

A name that comes to mind is Julian Brandt(Bayer 04 Leverkusen), who already showed his talent in the Confederations Cup. Generally, a lot of players who played in the Confed Cup and got selected to the team are to look out for. Löw gave young players a chance in the Confed Cup to show off who is ready to play in the big tournament in 2018. Brandt, as well as Antonio Rüdiger(FC Chelsea), Niklas Süle(FC Bayern München) and Leon Goretzka(FC Schalke 04) are all youngsters who are hungry for a successful tournament and I hope the coach gives them all their chance to establish themselves behind the more experienced players in the squad.

How far do you expect to get in the Finals? 

I expect Germany to get to the semi-finals.

If it’s not your country that wins the tournament who would you like to see win?

I would love to see Portugal to win to top their win in the Euros two years ago.

Give us a prediction for the winners and top scorer in the tournament?

Sure, I’ll be optimistic! My groups prediction are the following:

Group A: Uruguay, Egypt

Group B: Spain, Portugal

Group C: France, Denmark

Group D: Croatia, Argentina

Group E: Brazil, Serbia

Group F: Germany, Mexico

Group G: Belgium, England

Group H: Colombia, Poland

Round of 16:

Uruguay v Portugal – Portugal wins

Brazil v Mexico – Brazil wins

Germany v Serbia – Germany wins

Spain v Egypt – Spain wins

France v Argentina – France wins

Belgium v Poland – Belgium wins

Colombia v England – England wins

Croatia v Denmark – Croatia wins

Quarter-Finals:

Portugal v France – Portugal wins

Spain v Croatia – Spain wins

Brazil v Belgium – Brazil wins

Germany v England – Germany wins

Semi-Finals:

Portugal v Brazil – Brazil wins

Spain v Germany – Germany wins

Final

Brazil v Germany – Germany wins!

I think top scorer will be one of these: Timo Werner (RB Leipzig), Isco (Real Madrid), Christiano m (Real Madrid), Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City), Thomas Müller (FC Bayern München).

 

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